Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.